Full Breakdown
Notre Dame Advances to Sweet 16 with Victory Over Ohio State
3/24/2026, 9:41:17 PM
Game Overview
In a highly anticipated matchup, the sixth-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the third-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes 83-73 in the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament on March 23, 2026. This victory marks Notre Dame's fifth consecutive appearance in the Sweet 16, while Ohio State faces disappointment for the third straight year, exiting the tournament in the second round.
Key Performers
Hannah Hidalgo led Notre Dame with an impressive performance, scoring 26 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and recording eight steals. This game marked Hidalgo's eighth double-double of the season and solidified her status as one of the top players in the nation. Jaloni Cambridge of Ohio State also shone brightly, scoring a career-high 41 points, but was unable to secure a win for her team.
Game Progression
The game began with Ohio State taking an early 11-0 lead, fueled by Cambridge's quick scoring. However, Notre Dame quickly responded, outscoring the Buckeyes 20-11 in the remainder of the first quarter to close the gap to 22-20. By halftime, Notre Dame had established a 43-35 lead, largely due to their strong defensive play and effective free-throw shooting, where they went 9-for-9 in the first half.
In the second half, Notre Dame extended their lead to 50-37, but Ohio State fought back with a 10-0 run to narrow the deficit to just three points. Despite the Buckeyes' efforts, Notre Dame maintained control, with Hidalgo's pivotal plays helping to secure the victory. The Irish never allowed Ohio State to regain the lead after the second quarter.
Statistical Highlights
Notre Dame showcased a balanced offensive attack, with five players scoring in double figures, including Vanessa de Jesus (15 points) and Cassandre Prosper (13 points). The Irish capitalized on Ohio State's 21 turnovers, converting them into crucial points. In contrast, Ohio State struggled offensively, with only Cambridge reaching double digits in scoring apart from a few contributions from her teammates.
Official Statements & Responses
Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey expressed pride in her team's performance, stating, "This group, we believed in each other. We trusted each other... this is just amazing." Conversely, Ohio State head coach Kevin McGuff acknowledged the need for better execution, noting, "At this time of year, high-level execution has got to be a part of the equation to winning."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the loss, Ohio State's Jaloni Cambridge reflected on her performance, saying, "Forty-one doesn’t matter with an L... If I could have scored zero and got a win, I would have been satisfied." This sentiment highlights the frustration within the Buckeyes' program, which has struggled to advance past the second round in recent tournaments.
What's Next
With this victory, Notre Dame will face the winner of the matchup between the second-seeded Vanderbilt Commodores and the seventh-seeded Illinois Fighting Illini in the Sweet 16. The game is scheduled to take place in Fort Worth, Texas, as the Fighting Irish aim to advance to the Elite Eight for the first time under coach Niele Ivey.
Conclusion
Notre Dame's victory over Ohio State not only showcases their resilience and talent but also underscores the challenges faced by the Buckeyes in their quest for postseason success. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Hidalgo and her teammates as they continue their pursuit of a championship.
